§ 28. Mr. MILLARasked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the serious pollution of the River Leven, in Fife; and whether, in view of the danger to public health thereby created, he is prepared to take steps to secure the proper treatment of the effluents from factories and works discharging into the river, so as to permit of its purification?
Mr. ADAMSONMy attention has been called to the pollution of the River Leven. The initiative in such cases rests with 213 the local authorities, which are empowered, with the consent of the Scottish Board of Health, to take proceedings against offenders. In the event of a refusal on the part of a local authority to prosecute, any person interested may apply to the Board, who are thereupon required to hold an inquiry and may thereafter direct the local authority to institute proceedings.